A Life Woven in Movement: The Art of Awilda Sterling Duprey
Awilda Sterling Duprey, born in 1947 in the vibrant Barrio Obrero neighborhood of Santurce, Puerto Rico, is more than an artist; she is a cultural architect. Her journey began steeped in the rich traditions of her homeland, a foundation that would blossom into a groundbreaking multidisciplinary practice seamlessly blending performance, painting, and abstraction. From early explorations with visual art—earning a bachelor’s degree from the Escuela de Artes Plásticas in 1971—Sterling Duprey embarked on an intellectual and artistic odyssey, further honing her skills at institutions like the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras, the School of Visual Arts in New York, and Pratt Institute in Brooklyn. Currently pursuing doctoral studies in history at the Center for Advanced Studies on Puerto Rico and the Caribbean, she embodies a commitment to both creative expression and rigorous scholarly inquiry. This dedication is not merely academic; it’s woven into the very fabric of her work, imbuing it with layers of historical consciousness and cultural resonance.
Pisotón and the Birth of an Avant-Garde
Sterling Duprey's emergence as a pivotal figure in Puerto Rico’s art scene coincided with a period of intense social and political change. In 1970s, she co-founded Pisotón—a revolutionary collective that became the island’s first experimental dance group. This act wasn’t simply about creating new choreography; it was an assertion of artistic freedom, a challenge to conventional norms, and a bold exploration of identity within a postcolonial context. Pisotón served as a crucible for innovation, fostering a space where artists could push boundaries and redefine the possibilities of performance. Her residency with Taller de Otra Cosa further solidified her commitment to collaborative experimentation and community engagement. This early work laid the groundwork for a career defined by its refusal to be categorized, constantly seeking new avenues for expression.
Afro-Caribbean Roots and Jazz Improvisation
The core of Sterling Duprey’s artistic vision lies in a profound connection to Afro-Caribbean ritual, Yoruba cosmology, and the improvisational spirit of jazz. Her performances are not merely displays of technical skill; they are invocations—a summoning of ancestral energies and a celebration of cultural heritage. She positions the body as an archive, a vessel carrying the memories, resistances, and spiritual continuities of generations past. This is particularly evident in her acclaimed series *…blindfolded* (2019–present), where she blindfolds herself and responds to jazz music with spontaneous chalk drawings on black surfaces. The act of drawing while visually obscured becomes a metaphor for accessing deeper levels of consciousness, allowing the body to “see” through sound and movement. The choice of jazz is significant; it’s not simply a musical accompaniment but a parallel form of improvisation—a dialogue between artist, music, and ancestral spirit. Her selection of pieces by saxophonist Miguel Zenón, particularly from his album *Sonero: The Music of Ismael Rivera*, underscores her commitment to honoring Puerto Rican musical traditions.
Hurricane Maria and the Embodiment of Trauma
The devastating impact of Hurricane Maria in 2017 profoundly impacted Sterling Duprey’s work, prompting a powerful response that transcended mere documentation. Her piece *Lack's Criticality* (2018-23) was commissioned by Temple University and later exhibited at the Whitney Museum of American Art as part of an exhibition exploring artistic responses to the storm. This performance wasn’t about recreating the physical destruction but capturing the emotional aftermath—the collective trauma, grief, and resilience of the Puerto Rican people. Sterling Duprey drew upon Yoruba dance traditions, infusing the work with spiritual and religious elements that offered a pathway for healing and remembrance. Accompanied by three Yoruban batá drummers – Jainardo Batista, Rafael Monteagudo, and Román Diaz – she created an immersive experience that resonated deeply with audiences, offering a visceral understanding of loss and hope.
Recognition and Legacy
Awilda Sterling Duprey’s contributions to the art world have been widely recognized throughout her career. She received an Experimental Dance Fellowship from the NEA in 1985, a Caribbean Cultural Contribution Award from the Puerto Rican Cultural Institute and Clemente Soto Vélez Cultural award in 2001, and was honored as a United States Artists Rolón Fellow in 2010. Her work has been exhibited in galleries and museums across Puerto Rico, the United States, and Latin America, including a prominent feature at the 2022 Whitney Biennial. More than accolades, however, Sterling Duprey’s legacy lies in her unwavering commitment to artistic innovation, cultural preservation, and social justice. She continues to teach at Escuela de Artes Plásticas in San Juan, nurturing the next generation of artists and ensuring that the spirit of experimentation—and the power of movement—continues to thrive. Her work stands as a testament to the enduring strength of Afro-Caribbean culture and the transformative potential of art to heal, remember, and inspire.
